Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Surat is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, situated in the southern region of the Gujarat state of India. Homicidal crimes are one of darkest & inevitable part of any society. We analyzed the current trend of homicidal crimes in Surat in this epidemiological study. Aims &
Objective: To analyze various demographic, social and forensic aspects of homicidal crimes in Surat.
Materials and Methods: Profiles of total 119 homicidal autopsy cases studied retrospectively, which were conducted during 2011 & 2012 at FMTD, GMC & NCH, Surat. The observations were compared with previous studies conducted in same region as well as studies conducted in other regions.
Results: In the present study, the incidence rate of homicidal deaths was 2.79% and major age group amongst the victims was 21-30 years i.e. 30.25%. In 72.27% cases the victims were male. The chief mode of death was Haemorrhagic shock involving 57.14% of cases. In most cases 31.37% sharp edged and pointed type of weapons were used by the accused. Conclusion: The current incidence rate of homicidal deaths in Surat shows a declining trend recently. Maximum affected victims were young adult males but cases of homicides of females and children are increased in recent years. The chief mode of death was haemorrhagic shock and most common part of body receiving fatal homicidal injury was neck. Most common method for homicide was producing mechanical injuries mainly by sharp cutting weapons but mere manual force also used in significant number of cases.